Belt system for body support

Abstract

The present invention is a mechanical assembly for single point torque adjustment, an apparatus and method of use of an improved belt for body support and for assisting body during musculoskeletal activities like heavy lifting, kneeling, bending and walking. The belt employs the single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly with an adjustable hinge along with resilient means which stores potential energy when the user alters from a neutral position and may help the body to return to the neutral position. The belt employs structure to share and direct load from head, neck and back to waist and ground. The apparatus may prevent the user from acquiring spondylitis, kyphosis or osteoporosis. The apparatus may be used for users who are subjected to frequent muscular work like bending up and down while carrying heavy loads, sitting too long, walking and the like.

I claim: 
     
       1. A single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly, for assisting musculoskeletal activities, characterized in that the said assembly comprising of:
 an upper element ( 101 ′); 
 a lower element ( 102 ′); 
 a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′); 
 a flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′); 
 a hinge pin ( 110 ′) and a shaft ( 118 ′); 
 a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′); 
 
       wherein the assembly varies the torque non-linearly by adjusting a lever arm length such that fixed end of the resilient means  105 ′ need not be displaced; 
       wherein the upper element ( 101 ′) is moveably secured with lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and shaft ( 118 ′), and one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ) is moveably connected with a secured end of upper element ( 101 ′),
 wherein the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is moveably secured with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and hinge pin ( 110 ′) and such flexible inextensible element ( 114 ′) passes through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; and 
 
       wherein the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) slides over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length to produce non-linear variable counter torque. 
     
     
       2. The single point torque adjustment mechanical assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the shaft ( 118 ′) is replaceable by a ball and socket joint. 
     
     
       3. The single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the torque is adjusted without adjusting pre load/tension in the resilient means ( 105 ′). 
     
     
       4. The single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) is locked/unlocked with lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) using engagement/disengagement means ( 109 ′). 
     
     
       5. The single point torque adjusting mechanical assembly as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the said assembly optionally comprises of an extended mechanism to facilitate locking/unlocking and sliding of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) to adjust the torque. 
     
     
       6. A method for single point torque adjustment mechanical assembly, for assisting musculoskeletal activities, wherein the single point torque adjustment mechanical assembly comprises an upper element ( 101 ′);
 a lower element ( 102 ′); 
 a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′); 
 a flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′); 
 a hinge pin ( 110 ′), a shaft ( 118 ′); and 
 a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′) characterized in that the method comprising:
 varying, torque by adjusting lever arm length and without displacing fixed end of resilient means ( 105 ′) by, 
 securing, the upper element ( 101 ′) with the lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the shaft ( 118 ′); 
 connecting, one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) with a secured end of the upper element ( 101 ′); 
 securing, the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and the hinge pin ( 110 ′); 
 passing the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 113 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; and 
 sliding, the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length in order to produce non-linear variable counter torque. 
 
 
     
     
       7. An apparatus for assisting musculoskeletal activities characterized in that the said apparatus comprising:
 one or more longitudinal mechanical elements; 
 one or more adjustable hinge mechanism means ( 104 ); 
 
       one or more single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ), wherein the mechanical assembly ( 113 ) comprises an upper element ( 101 ), a lower element ( 102 ′), a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′), a flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′), a hinge pin ( 110 ′) and a shaft ( 118 ′) and a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′);
 wherein the assembly varies the torque non-linearly by adjusting a lever arm length such that fixed end of the resilient means ( 105 ′) need not be displaced; 
 wherein the upper element ( 101 ′) is moveably secured with lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and shaft ( 118 ′), and one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) is moveably connected with a secured end of upper element ( 101 ′); 
 wherein the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is moveably secured with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and hinge pin ( 110 ′) and such flexible inextensible element ( 114 ′) passes through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; and 
 wherein the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) slides over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length to produce non-linear variable counter torque; 
 an arrangement for flexibility and height adjustment means ( 115 ); 
 one or more waist straps/belts ( 111 ), back ( 107 ) or shoulders straps ( 106 ); and 
 one or more body adaptable shoulder element ( 101 ), one or more thigh element  102 ; 
 
       wherein the apparatus enables a user to share load on body parts and overcome effort required to return to a neutral position by employing a counter torque by storing potential energy in a resilient means ( 105 ), 
       the counter torque is developed when the user alters from the neutral position by performing musculoskeletal activities which is a result of the potential energy stored in the resilient means ( 105 );
 wherein the single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ) incorporated with the adjustable hinge means ( 104 ) attached to the resilient means ( 105 ) is responsible for generating the counter torque to bring back the user to the neutral position; 
 
       wherein the counter torque varies non-linearly by adjusting longitudinal distance between hinge pin ( 110 ) of hinge ( 104 ) and single point ( 116 ) wherein the shaft ( 118 ) acts as an axis of rotation and the said longitudinal distance acts as a lever arm. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the apparatus further comprises shoulder cushion straps ( 106 ), knee cups and a waist belt ( 111 ) for gripping the apparatus to user's body. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the potential energy of the resilient means ( 105 ) exerts a force at the hinge ( 104 ), producing the torque with the single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ) and further provides assistive torque when the user puts a step or action while walking, bending, sitting, kneeling, rotating. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the apparatus optionally comprises of an extended mechanism to facilitate locking/unlocking and sliding of load adjusting means ( 108 ) to adjust the torque. 
     
     
       11. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the mechanical assembly ( 113 ) adjusts the load and assistive torque at waist and knee joints to maximum and minimum in accordance with bending angle and wherein the adjustment of the assistive torque to maximum and minimum provides support when the load is maximum and minimum, respectively, at the knee and the waist joints, wherein pattern and profile of the assistive torque is adjustable. 
     
     
       12. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the apparatus further enables proper human posture of the user and corrects spinal deformation of the user. 
     
     
       13. A leg apparatus for assisting musculoskeletal activities characterized in that the said apparatus comprising:
 one or more longitudinal mechanical elements ( 103 ); 
 one or more adjustable hinge means ( 104 ); 
 
       one or more single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ), wherein the mechanical assembly ( 113 ) comprises an upper element ( 101 ), a lower element ( 102 ′), a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′), a flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′), a hinge pin ( 110 ′) and a shaft ( 118 ′) and a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′);
 wherein the assembly varies the torque non-linearly by adjusting a lever arm length such that fixed end of the resilient means ( 105 ′) need not be displaced; 
 wherein the upper element ( 101 ′) is moveably secured with lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and shaft ( 118 ′), and one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) is moveably connected with a secured end of upper element ( 101 ′); 
 wherein the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is moveably secured with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and hinge pin ( 110 ′) and such flexible inextensible element ( 114 ′) gasses through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; and 
 wherein the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) slides over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length to produce non-linear variable counter torque; 
 one or more cushioned straps ( 117 ); 
 optionally one or more foot elements ( 120 ); and 
 an arrangement for flexibility and height adjustment means ( 115 ); 
 
       wherein the leg apparatus enables a user to share load on knees/legs and overcome effort required to return leg and knee joint in neutral position by employing a counter torque by storing potential energy in the resilient means ( 105 ) and directing load to ground 
       wherein the counter torque is developed when the user alters from the neutral leg position by performing musculoskeletal activities which is a result of the potential energy stored in the resilient means ( 105 ); 
       wherein the single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ) incorporated with an adjustable hinge means ( 104 ) attached to the resilient means ( 105 ) generates the counter torque in order to bring back the user's leg to the neutral position 
       wherein the counter torque varies non-linearly by adjusting longitudinal distance between hinge point ( 110 ) of hinge means ( 104 ) and a single point ( 116 ) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ), wherein the shaft ( 118 ) of the adjustable hinge means ( 104 ) acts as an axis of rotation and said longitudinal distance acts as lever arm; 
       wherein the load/weight is transferred to the ground via the one or more foot elements ( 120 ). 
     
     
       14. An apparatus for assisting musculoskeletal activities characterized in that the said apparatus comprising:
 one or more waist straps/belts ( 111 ), back ( 107 ) or shoulder straps ( 106 ); and
 a mechanical assembly ( 113 ) and a structure ( 601 ) having a body adaptable shaped profile to carry loads; 
 
 wherein the mechanical assembly ( 113 ) comprises an upper element ( 101 ), a lower element ( 102 ′), a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′), a flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′), a hinge pin ( 110 ′) and a shaft ( 118 ′) and a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′); 
 wherein the assembly varies the torque non-linearly by adjusting a lever arm length such that fixed end of the resilient means ( 105 ′) need not be displaced; 
 wherein the upper element ( 101 ′) is moveably secured with lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and shaft ( 118 ′), and one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) is moveably connected with a secured end of upper element ( 101 ′); 
 wherein the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ) is moveably secured with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and hinge pin ( 110 ′) and such flexible inextensible element ( 114 ′) passes through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; and 
 wherein the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) slides over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′ and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length to produce non-linear variable counter torque; 
 wherein the apparatus enables a user to share load on body parts and transfer such load to ground; 
 wherein an upper side of structure ( 601 ) is mounted at a back strap ( 107 ) using moveable securing means wherein the structure ( 601 ) forms a platform or a cantilever beam which transmits load at the head to the belt and further the belt transfers the load legs and finally to the ground. 
 
     
     
       15. The apparatus as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein multi-dimensional hinge ( 603 ) enables the structure ( 601 ) to remain in vertical orientation irrespective of the posture of the user. 
     
     
       16. A method of varying torque of mechanical assembly used in an apparatus for assisting musculoskeletal activities, wherein the apparatus comprises single point torque/load adjustment assembly ( 113 ) and a structure ( 601 ), wherein the mechanical assembly ( 113 ) comprises an upper element ( 101 ), a lower element ( 102 ′), a resilient means ( 105 ′) with fixed end and free end ( 119 ′), a flexible inextensible element or roe ( 114 ′), a hinge pin ( 110 ′) and a shaft ( 118 ′) and a load/torque adjusting means ( 108 ′) having a single point at its free end ( 116 ′);
 wherein the method is characterized in varying, torque by adjusting lever arm length and without displacing fixed end of resilient means ( 105 ′) by;
 securing, the upper element ( 101 ′) with lower element ( 102 ′) by the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and shaft ( 118 ′); 
 connecting, one end of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) with a secured end of upper element ( 101 ′); 
 securing, the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) with/between the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′) and the hinge pin ( 110 ′); 
 passing, the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) through the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′), wherein the length of the flexible inextensible element or rope ( 114 ′) is equivalent or equal to sum of distance between the hinge pin ( 110 ′) and the free end ( 116 ′) of the load adjusting means ( 108 ′) and distance between the free end ( 116 ′) of load adjusting means ( 113 ′) and the free end ( 119 ′) of the resilient means ( 105 ′), wherein the sum of such distance remains constant; sliding, the said load adjusting means ( 108 ′) over lower end of the upper element ( 101 ′) and the lower element ( 102 ′) to change lever arm length in order to produce non-linear variable counter torque, 
 
 wherein the method is further characterized in: 
 enabling, a user to share load on body parts and overcome effort required to return to neutral position by employing a counter torque by storing potential energy in the resilient means ( 105 ) and directing the load to ground by
 developing, counter torque by the single point torque/load adjustment assembly ( 113 ) 
 when the user alters from the neutral position by performing musculoskeletal activities, using of the potential energy stored in the resilient means ( 105 ); 
 generating, the counter torque by the single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ) incorporated with adjustable hinge ( 104 ) attached to the resilient means ( 105 ) in order to bring back the user to the neutral position; 
 adjusting, longitudinal distance between of the hinge ( 104 ) and the single point torque/load adjustment mechanical assembly ( 113 ) in order to vary the counter torque non-linearly, wherein the hinge ( 104 ) acts as an axis of rotation and said longitudinal distance acts as a lever arm; 
 
 wherein the structure ( 601 ) to share and direct the load from head and neck, and the back does share and direct the load form head, neck and back to waist of the user and ground.